“The Race,” a sponsored three-mile walk event benefiting the Children’s Bereavement Center, took place at Coral Reef Park for the last time on Sunday, Jan. 22.

Inaugurated in 2003 by Palmetto Bay resident Rachel Dubow for her bat mitzvah project, the annual event has supported the non-profit organization that provides bereavement groups and help for children who have lost a parent or special loved one.

“The Children’s Bereavement Center is very special to our family,” Rachel Dubow said. “We have a fund there in memory of my uncle, Brent Hershman.”

This year approximately 200 participants took part in the event that overall has raised more than $90,000 in the past nine years. But for the Dubow family, the time for a change has come and the successful charitable project will take on a new life.

Rachel’s mother explained what will happen and why.

“It is transitioning from a small grassroots family project into a large professionally organized race,” Adrian Dubow said after the event. “The Children’s Bereavement Center will host ‘Steps for Healing’ on Dec. 8, 2012, at Miami Metro Zoo [now Zoo Miami]. We will continue to support and solicit for the event and the cause but the timing is perfect since Brian is leaving for college in August and Rachel will be a senior at the University of Florida.”

Adrian Dubow said that it has been a pleasure and an honor for her family to host the event for the past nine years with the support of the people of Palmetto Bay and beyond.

“We are very grateful to our family, friends and community who have generously contributed and participated in The Race,” she said. “We are also very grateful to our Palmetto Bay businesses who generously donated to The Race. They are Starbucks at 168th and Old Cutler Road, Krispy Creme Donuts, Roasters and Toasters Deli, and Publix Supermarket. Kaufman Rossin & Co. PA are sponsors of the day.”

Adrian Dubow said that people still can donate to The Race by sending contributions to The Children’s Bereavement Center, 7600 S. Red Rd., Suite 307, South Miami, FL 33143.